Premier Gravel Pathway & Driveway Installation and Repair Services in Mercer Island
Let’s be real—a well-constructed gravel surface goes way beyond just a quick dump and rake. If you skip crucial steps like proper base preparation, fabric installation, or effective compaction, you’ll be stuck patching potholes after every rainstorm. Our goal? To create paths and driveways that efficiently shed water, stand the test of time, and look fantastic—even on Mercer Island’s charming hills and winding lanes.
What Challenges Do We Tackle?
- Persistent potholes, ruts, and washouts following storms
- Muddy patches in winter and annoying dust clouds in summer—thanks to inadequate base support
- Gravel spilling into lawns, flower beds, and the street due to poor edging or wrong gradation
- Water pooling at your garage or gate due to improper grading
- Wheel ruts that expose fabric—or worse, areas with no fabric at all
Our Installation Process (And Why It Works Wonders)
Solid Base — We excavate soft spots and apply crushed rock (not round rock) in compacted layers for unmatched stability.
Geotextile Road Fabric — We use it only where necessary, like under driveways and paths, to prevent the base from mixing with clay (never in planting beds).
Top Course Selection:
- Paths: ¼″-10 or ⅜″ minus (smooth finish that’s easy on heels and strollers).
- Driveways: ⅝″ minus or 1¼″ minus (interlocks perfectly, providing great traction).
Effective Compaction — We use plate and roller compaction for each layer; we don’t just drive over it!
Durable Edges — Steel/aluminum edging or timber/concrete restraints to keep your gravel right where it belongs.
Smart Drainage — We ensure proper crowning or cross-slope (⅛–¼″ per foot), creating swales or tying into drains as required.
Stabilization Solutions — Utilizing honeycomb/gravel grids for those tricky steep paths and tight turns.
While pea gravel may look appealing, it shifts too easily. We’ll use it in decorative areas only—never where vehicles need traction!
Our Install & Repair Offerings
- Full Installation — We manage everything from excavation, fabric installation, and base application to top course placement, compaction, and edging.
- Resurfacing — We can scarify ruts, add more base where needed, adjust the grade, and top off with fresh minus, followed by thorough compaction.
- Drainage Solutions — Need to install a channel drain or catch basin? We’ve got you covered, plus we’ll reroute downspouts away from your driveway.
- Tight Access Experts — We specialize in alley pads, side-yard ribbons, and steep approach pathways.
Quick Coverage & Ordering (Making It Simple)
- 1 cubic yard at 2″ depth covers roughly 160 sq ft (a handy rule for minus products).
- Base Calculation: For a 4″ base over 400 sq ft, you’ll need around 5 yd³; don’t forget to add 10–15% for compaction losses.
- Typically, a driveway refresh will require 1–3 yd³ of ⅝″ minus, depending on how deep the ruts are.
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Property’s Best Companion)
- Pothole and Rut Repair — Scarify, add base, and re-compact (we don’t believe in quick fixes!).
- Edge Patrol — We’ll re-spike edging and sweep stray gravel off your lawn and sidewalks.
- Drainage Inspection — Keeping inlets clear and adjusting swales after heavy storms.
- Top-Up Passes — A light refresh of fines to keep the surface locked tight.
- Weed Management — Pre-emergent treatments and hand-pulling along edges (we focus on Integrated Pest Management).
We’re a low-maintenance landscaping team devoted to fewer potholes, minimal tracking, and extending the lifespan of your surfaces.
Service Options (Choose What Works for You)
- Quarterly — Includes spring/fall resets and two checks during storm season.
- Bi-Monthly — Perfect for shaded, leaf-littered, or steep properties.
(New builds on slopes might start with monthly visits for the first 60–90 days, then taper off.)
What’s Included in Annual Maintenance
- A detailed grade assessment and low-spot map with photos.
- Our scarify/compact method for potholes (no “top it and hope” strategy).
- Edging resets and border cleanups.
- Drainage inlet clean-out and minor swale adjustments.
- Optional dust control treatments during peak summer months.
Why Regular Maintenance is Essential
- Safer Footing & Traction — Fewer slips and less washboarding means safer paths.
- Extended Surface Life — Locked fines mean reduced rock loss and tracking.
- Crisp Appearance — Clean edges, consistent color, and no scattered gravel.
- Cost Savings — Addressing small issues promptly is more budget-friendly than major overhauls.
How Our Process Works
- Free Estimate — We kick things off with photos or a quick walkthrough to provide transparent pricing.
- Planning & Preparation — We confirm your base and fabric needs, edging, and drainage routes.
- Installation/Repair Day — We’ll excavate, install fabric, add base layers, apply the top course, compact, edge, and clean up.
- Follow-Up — We share simple care tips (like when to rake and where to top up) along with any additional options.
Why Mercer Island Trusts Neat & Tidy
- We’re a local team well-acquainted with clay pockets, steep alleys, and Mercer Island’s heavy winter rains.
- Fully licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
- Transparent pricing—all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
- We pride ourselves on punctual, respectful, and tidy work.
- Eco-friendly approach—prioritizing permeable surfaces, smart water management, and minimizing landfill waste.
Ready for a driveway or path that stands the test of time?
Call or text Neat & Tidy today for a gravel installation or repair that drains properly, compacts effectively, and stays put. We’ll keep it tidy—so you can enjoy your space without the hassle.
